Oral care implement

ABSTRACT

An oral care implement, such as a toothbrush ( 100 ), comprises a handle ( 110 ) and a head ( 120 ). A plurality of tooth cleaning elements ( 130 ) may be provided on a front surface ( 121 ) of the head ( 120 ). The head ( 120 ) is formed by a plurality of spaced-apart segments ( 140 - 145 ) made of a rigid material. The segments ( 140 - 145 ) are isolated from one another by channels ( 157 - 159 B) containing an elastomeric material ( 146 ) that flexibly connects the segments ( 140 - 145 ) together. The oral care implement further comprises an elastomeric soft tissue cleaner ( 200 ) located on a rear surface ( 122 ) of the head ( 120 ) opposite the front surface ( 121 ) of the head ( 120 ). Each of the segments ( 140 - 145 ) comprises a protuberance ( 163 - 169 ) made of the rigid material that extends through the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner ( 200 ) and is exposed therethrough.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application is a U.S. national stage application under 35U.S.C. §371 of PCT Application No. PCT/UN2010/002111, filed Dec. 21,2010, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to oral care implements, andspecifically to oral care implements having a flexible head formed by aplurality of segments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A toothbrush is used to clean the teeth by removing plaque and debrisfrom the tooth surfaces. Conventional toothbrushes having a flat bristletrim are limited in their ability to conform to the curvature of theteeth, to penetrate into the interproximal areas between the teeth, tosweep away the plaque and debris, and to clean along the gum line.Additionally, such toothbrushes have a limited ability to retaindentifrice for cleaning the teeth. During the brushing process, thedentifrice typically slips through the tufts of bristles and away fromthe contact between the bristles and the teeth. As a result, thedentifrice is often spread around the mouth, rather than beingconcentrated on the contact of the bristles with the teeth. Therefore,the efficiency of the cleaning process is reduced.

While substantial efforts have been made to modify the cleaning elementsof toothbrushes to improve the efficiency of the oral cleaning process,the industry continues to pursue arrangements of cleaning elements thatwill improve upon the existing technology.

A number of attempts have been made to create flexible toothbrush headsthat provide greater cleaning efficacy by allowing the head to flex,thereby allowing the bristles and other tooth cleaning elements toextend at various angles relative to one another. In one type of knownflexible toothbrush head, the head is broken up into a plurality ofsegments that are flexible relative to one another and relative to thehandle. However, the existing designs of many segmented toothbrush headsresult in the head having either too much or not enough flexibility. Toomuch flexibility results in the head being unable to transmit sufficientpressure to the teeth or other oral surfaces via the bristles when thehandle is subject to normal brushing forces. On the other hand,inadequate flexibility results in the segments (and thus the bristles)remaining substantially stationary, thereby defeating the purpose ofhaving a flexible head.

More recently, the strategic arrangement and combination of toothcleaning elements in the form of elastomeric cleaning elements andbristle tufts has become a more common way of improving cleaningefficiency. However, very little efforts have been made to coordinatethe structure and arrangement of elastomeric cleaning elements onflexible toothbrush heads formed by a plurality of segments.

Elastomeric soft tissue cleaners, which are typically located on therear surface of the toothbrush head, have also become quite popular.However, as with the tooth cleaning elements, very little effort hasbeen expended to coordinate the structure of the soft tissue cleanerwith the structure of flexible toothbrush heads utilizing a plurality ofsegments.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an oral care implement, such as atoothbrush. In one aspect, the invention is directed to an oral careimplement comprising a handle and a head. A plurality of tooth cleaningelements may be provided on a front surface of the head. The head isformed by a plurality of spaced-apart segments formed of a rigidmaterial. The segments are isolated from one another by channelscontaining an elastomeric material that flexibly connects the segmentstogether. The oral care implement further comprises an elastomeric softtissue cleaner located on a rear surface of the head opposite the frontsurface of the head. Each of the segments comprises a protuberance thatextends through the soft tissue cleanser and is exposed therethrough.

In one embodiment, the invention can be an oral care implementcomprising: a handle; a head connected to the handle; a plurality oftooth cleaning elements extending from a front surface of the head; thehead formed by a plurality of spaced-apart segments formed of a rigidmaterial, the plurality of segments including a central segment and atleast one peripheral segment arranged about the central segment, the atleast one peripheral segment isolated from the central segment by achannel containing an elastomeric material, the elastomeric materialflexibly connecting the at least one peripheral segment to the centralsegment; an elastomeric soft tissue cleaner located on a rear surface ofthe head opposite the front surface of the head; and the at least oneperipheral segment and the central segment comprising at least oneprotuberance formed of the rigid material that extends through theelastomeric soft tissue cleanser so that a portion of the rigid materialof the at least one protuberance is exposed.

In another embodiment, the invention can be an oral care implementcomprising: a handle; a head connected to the handle; a plurality oftooth cleaning elements extending from a front surface of the head; thehead formed by a plurality of spaced-apart segments formed of a rigidmaterial, each of the segments isolated from one another by a channelcontaining an elastomeric material, the elastomeric material flexiblyconnecting the segments together; an elastomeric soft tissue cleanerlocated on a rear surface of the head opposite the front surface of thehead; and each of the segments comprising at least one protuberanceformed of the rigid material that extends through the elastomeric softtissue cleanser so that a portion of the rigid material of the at leastone protuberance is exposed.

In yet another embodiment, the invention can be an oral care implementcomprising: a handle; a head connected to the handle; a plurality oftooth cleaning elements extending from a front surface of the head; thehead formed by a skeleton formed of a rigid material, the skeletoncomprising a plurality of spaced-apart segments and struts extendingbetween the segments; an elastomeric material flexibly connecting thesegments together; an elastomeric soft tissue cleaner located on a rearsurface of the head opposite the front surface of the head; and each ofthe segments comprising at least one protuberance formed of the rigidmaterial that extends through the elastomeric soft tissue cleanser sothat a portion of the rigid material of the protuberance is exposed.

In still another embodiment, the invention can be a method of forming ahead of an oral care implement comprising: a) forming a skeleton of arigid material, the skeleton comprising a plurality of spaced-apartsegments and struts extending between the segments, each of the segmentscomprising at least one protuberance formed of the rigid material thatextends from a rear surface of the segment; b) positioning the skeletonin a cavity of a mold, the mold contacting a portion of each of theprotuberances; and c) injecting an elastomeric material in liquid forminto the cavity of the mold, the elastomeric material forming a softtissue cleaner that covers the rear surfaces of the segments and theportions of the rigid material of the protuberances remain exposedthrough the soft tissue cleaner.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This invention is capable of use in a broad array of oral careimplements and hygiene products. The drawings illustrate one use of theinvention and are not to be construed as the only embodiment of theinvention. The present invention will become more fully understood fromthe detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an oral care implement, in theform of a toothbrush, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the head of the toothbrush of FIG.1 wherein the bristle tufts have been removed.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the head of the toothbrush of FIG.1.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the head of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 whereinthe bristle tufts have been removed.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the rigid material skeleton of thehead of the toothbrush of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the rigid material skeleton of thehead of the toothbrush of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the rigid material skeleton of the head of thetoothbrush of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the rigid material skeleton of the head of thetoothbrush of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the rigid material skeleton of the head of thetoothbrush of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a close-up view of a quadrant of the head of FIG. 5.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the head of the toothbrush of FIG.1 taken along line XII-XII of FIG. 11, wherein the segments are in anormal state.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the head of the toothbrush of FIG.1 taken along line XII-XII of FIG. 11, wherein the segments are in aflexed state.

FIG. 14 is a close-up view of the distal portion of the head of FIG. 5.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the head of the toothbrush of FIG.1 taken along line XV-XV of FIG. 14, wherein the segments are in anormal state.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the head of the toothbrush of FIG.1 taken along line XVI-XVI of FIG. 14, wherein the segments are in anormal state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses. In the following description, the invention isdiscussed in terms of a manual toothbrush incorporating the novelarrangement of cleaning elements. However, in other forms, the inventioncould be in the form of other oral care implements including asoft-tissue cleansing implement, a powered toothbrush, or other ansateimplement designed for oral care.

Referring first to FIGS. 1-2, a toothbrush 100 is illustrated accordingto one embodiment of the present invention. The toothbrush 100 generallycomprises a handle 110 and a head 120. The handle 110 provides the userwith a mechanism by which he/she can readily grip and manipulate thetoothbrush 100. The handle 110 may be formed of many different shapes,sizes, materials and by a variety of manufacturing methods that arewell-known to those skilled in the art. If desired, the handle 110 mayinclude a suitable textured grip 101 made of elastomeric material or canbe a multi-part construction. Stated simply, unless specifically statedotherwise, the details of the handle 110 are not limiting of the presentinvention and, thus, require no further discussion for purposes of thepresent invention.

The toothbrush 100 extends from a proximal end 112 to a distal end 113along a longitudinal axis A-A, a portion of which forms the longitudinalaxis of the head 120. The head 120 is connected to a distal end 105 ofthe handle 110. As discussed in greater detail below, the skeleton ofthe head 120 is integrally formed with the handle 110 in certainembodiments of the invention thereby forming a single unitary structure.An injection molding, milling, machining or other suitable process canbe used as is known in the art. However, in other embodiments, thehandle 110 and the head 120 may be formed as separate components whichare operably connected at a later stage of the manufacturing process byany suitable technique known in the art, including without limitationthermal welding, a tight-fit assembly, a coupling sleeve, adhesion, orfasteners. Whether the head 120 and handle 110 are of a unitary ormulti-piece construction (including connection techniques) is notlimiting of the present invention in all embodiments.

It should be noted at this time that relative terms such as distal,middle, proximal, upper, lower, top, bottom, left, right etc. are merelyused to delineate relative positions of the components of the toothbrush100 with respect to one another and are not intended to be in anyfurther way limiting of the present invention.

The head 120 generally comprises a front surface 121 and a rear surface122. The front surface 121 and the rear surface 122 of the head 120 cantake on a wide variety of shapes and contours, none of which arelimiting of the present invention. For example, the front and rearsurfaces 121, 122 can be planar, contoured or combinations thereof. Thehead 120 also comprises a right lateral edge 123, a left lateral edge124, and a distal edge 125, which collectively form the peripheral edgeof the head 120 that connect the front and rear surfaces 121, 122. Inthe exemplified embodiment, the distal edge 125 is located at the distalend 113.

A plurality of cleaning elements 130 may extend from the front surface121 of the head 120 for cleaning contact with an oral surface,preferably teeth. While the plurality of tooth cleaning elements 130 isparticularly suited for brushing teeth, the plurality of tooth cleaningelements 130 can also be used to clean other surfaces of the oral cavityif desired. As used herein, the term “tooth cleaning element” is used ina generic sense to refer to any structure that can be used to clean ormassage an oral surface through relative surface contact. Commonexamples of “tooth cleaning elements” include, without limitation,filament bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles,rubber bristles, elastomeric protrusions, flexible polymer protrusions,co-extruded filaments, flag bristles, crimped bristles, anti-bacterialbristles and combinations thereof and/or structures containing suchmaterials or combinations.

As discussed below, in the exemplified embodiment, the plurality ofcleaning elements 130 comprises a plurality of bristle tufts 131 and aplurality of elastomeric cleaning elements 132A-E. In the exemplifiedembodiment, the elastomeric cleaning elements 132A-E are in the form ofarcuate elastomeric walls. However, in certain other embodiments, theelastomeric cleaning elements 132A-E can be in the form of elastomericfingers, linear elastomeric walls, and/or combinations thereof. Theelastomeric cleaning elements 132A-E are formed of a suitableelastomeric material. In one embodiment, the elastomeric cleaningelements 132A-E are formed of a thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”). Othersuitable elastomeric materials include any biocompatible resilientmaterial suitable for uses in an oral hygiene apparatus. To provideoptimum comfort as well as cleaning benefits, the elastomeric materialpreferably has a hardness property in the range of A10 to A40 Shorehardness, and preferably A25 Shore hardness. One preferred elastomericmaterial is styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS)manufactured by GLS Corporation. Nevertheless, SEBS material from othermanufacturers or other materials within and outside the noted hardnessrange could be used.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-5 concurrently, the details of the head 120will be described in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. The head 120 of the toothbrush 100 extends along alongitudinal axis A-A. The head 120 generally comprises a plurality ofspaced-apart segments 140-145. The plurality of segments 140-145 areconstructed of a rigid material. In one embodiment, the plurality ofsegments 140-145 are formed of a hard plastic. Suitable hard plasticsinclude, without limitation, polypropylene. In certain embodiments, theplurality of the segments 140-145 are formed of the same rigid materialas the main structural component of the handle 110.

In the exemplified embodiment, the plurality of segments 140-145 includea central segment 140 and a plurality of peripheral segments 141-145.The central segment 140 is non-movably connected to the distal end 105of the handle 110 in certain embodiments. For example, the centralsegment 140 may be integrally formed with the distal end 105 of thehandle 110. In one specific embodiment, the main structural component ofthe handle 110 and a skeleton 400 (FIGS. 6-10) of the head 120 can beintegrally formed in single injection molding step (which may usemulti-ports for injecting the rigid material in liquid form).

The central segment 140 acts a hub to which the peripheral segments141-145 are flexible connected. As discussed in greater detail below,each of the peripheral segments 141-145 are flexibly connected to thecentral segment 140 by an elastomeric material 146 that fills channels157-159B (referring to FIG. 6, for example) formed between adjacentsegments 140-145 and struts 148-152 that extend between the centralsegment 140 and the peripheral segments 141-145.

In the exemplified embodiment, the central segment 140 has a cruciformshape. Of course, the invention is not limited in all embodiments andmay take on other shapes in certain other embodiments, includingT-shaped, rectangular, oval, triangular, polygonal, or irregular. Forpurposes of discussion, the central segment 140 will be referred to as acruciform segment 140 throughout the remainder of this writtendescription because the exemplified embodiment is cruciform in shape.The cruciform segment 140 comprises a longitudinal portion 140A and atransverse portion 140B that intersect at a central juncture portion140C. The longitudinal portion 140A extends along the longitudinal axisA-A in a coaxial alignment while the transverse portion 140B extendssubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A. In theexemplified embodiment, the transverse portion 140B extends the entirewidth of the head 120 (wherein the width of the head 120 is the distancebetween the right and left lateral edges 123, 124 measured substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A) while the longitudinalportion 140A extends less than the entire length of the head 120(wherein the length of the head 120 is the distance between a proximalend 147 of the head 120 (FIG. 6) to the distal edge 125 of the head 120measured along the longitudinal axis A-A).

In the exemplified embodiment, the plurality of peripheral segments141-145 comprises a distal segment 143, a first pair of segments 141,145, and a second pair of segments 142, 144. The distal segment 143 islocated at a distal end 153 of the cruciform segment 140. The first pairof segments 141, 145 are located on opposite sides of the longitudinalportion 140A of the cruciform segment 140. The second pair of segments142, 144 are also located on opposite sides of the longitudinal portion140A of the cruciform segment 140. However, the first pair of segments141, 145 are located on an opposite side of a transverse portion 140B ofthe cruciform segment 140 than the second pair of segments 142, 144.Each of the segments 141-142, 144-145 of the first and second pairs areisolated from the cruciform segment 140 by the channels 158A-159Bcontaining the elastomeric material 146. The distal segment 143 is alsoisolated from the cruciform segment 140 and the second pair of segments142, 144 by a transverse channel 157 containing the elastomeric material146. The various channels 157-159B will be described in greater belowwith respect to FIGS. 6-10.

Each of the plurality of segments 140-145 comprises a front surface121A-121F. The front surfaces 121A-F of the segments 140-145collectively form the front surface 121 of the head 120 in combinationwith the elastomeric material 146 of the channels. As will be describedin greater below with respect to FIGS. 11-13, portions of the frontsurfaces 121A-C, 121E-F of the segments 140-142, 144-145 are covered(i.e., overlaid) by base portions of the elastomeric cleaning elements132A-D. However, a substantial majority of the front surfaces 121A-F ofthe segments 140-145 remain exposed, thereby forming bristle regionsfrom which the bristle tufts 131 extend from the segments 140-145. Therigid material of the segments 140-145 is exposed via the bristleregions and provide a sufficiently rigid structure to which the bristletufts 131 can be secured.

Each of the segments 140-145 includes a plurality of bristle tufts 131extending from the front surfaces 121A-F. In the exemplified embodiment,the bristle tufts 131 are secured to the segments 140-145 by anchoringthe bristle tufts 131 in tuft holes 154 formed in the front surfaces121A-F. The bristle tufts 131 can be anchored within the tuft holes 154using staples, sonic welding, and other techniques known in the art.However, in alternate embodiments, the bristle tufts 131 can be securedto the segments 140-145 in any manner known in the art. For example,anchor free tufting (AFT) could be used to mount the bristle tufts 131.In AFT, a plate or membrane is secured to the segments 140-145, such asby ultrasonic welding. The bristle tufts 131 (or other tooth cleaningelements) extend through the plate or membrane. The free ends of thebristle tufts 131 on one side of the plate or membrane perform thecleaning function. The ends of the bristle tufts 131 on the other sideof the plate or membrane are melted together by heat to be anchored inplace.

The peripheral segments 141-142, 144-145 of the first and second pairsfurther comprise side surfaces 155A-D. Similarly, the transverse portion140B of the cruciform segment 140 (which is also the central segmentmore generally) also comprises side surfaces 156A-B. Each of the sidesurfaces 155A-B of the peripheral segments 141-142 and the side surface156A of the cruciform segment 140 form a portion of the right lateraledge 123 of the head 120. Similarly, the side surfaces 155C-D of theperipheral segments 144-145 and the side surface 156B of the cruciformsegment 140 form a portion of the left lateral edge 124 of the head 120.The side surfaces 155A-D of the peripheral segments 141-142, 144-145 andthe side surfaces 156A-B of the cruciform segment 140 are not covered bythe elastomeric material 146 of the channels 157-159B, thereby remainingexposed.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-10 concurrently, the structure of the head 120will be described in greater detail. In FIGS. 6-10, all of theelastomeric material 146 of the head 120 (including the elastomericmaterial 146 of the channels 157-159B, the elastomeric soft tissuecleaner 200, and the elastomeric cleaning elements 132A-E) has beenremoved, thereby exposing a skeleton 400 which is formed of the rigidmaterial, such as a hard plastic, such as polypropylene. The skeleton400 comprises the segments 140-145 and the struts 148-152. In oneembodiment, the entirety of the skeleton 400 may be formed integrally asa unitary structure. However, in other embodiments, the components ofthe skeleton 400 may be formed separately and later assembled. Moreover,in certain alternative embodiments, one or all of the struts 148-152 maybe omitted all together. In such an embodiment, the segments 140-145would be flexibly connected together solely by the elastomeric material146. Furthermore, while the exemplified embodiment of the head 120 ofthe present invention comprises six segments 140-145, in otherembodiments, more or less segments may be used as desired.

As mentioned above, the segments 140-145 of the head 120 are spacedapart from one other. As a result, adjacent segments 140-145 of the head120 are separated by one or more of the channels 157-159B. In theexemplified embodiment, the peripheral segment 141 is isolated from thecruciform segment 140 by the channel 159B while the peripheral segment145 is isolated from the cruciform segment 140 by the channel 159A. Thechannels 159A-B may be curved channels. In the exemplified embodiment,the channels 159A-B are arcuate and take on a substantially U-shape.However, it is contemplated that the channels 159A-B can take on otherappropriate shapes in other embodiments.

Similarly, the peripheral segment 142 is isolated from the cruciformsegment 140 by a channel 158B while the peripheral segment 144 isisolated from the cruciform segment 140 by a channel 158A. The channels158A-B may also be curved channels. In the exemplified embodiment, thechannels 158A-B are arcuate and take on a substantially J-shape.However, it is contemplated that the channels 158A-B can take on otherappropriate shapes in other embodiments. For example, the channels158A-B may take on a substantially U-shaped and a portion of each of thechannels 158A-B may coincide with a portion of the transverse channel157.

The distal segment 143 is isolated from the cruciform segment 140 by atransverse channel 157. The transverse channel 157 also isolates thedistal segment 143 from second pair of peripheral segments 142, 144. Thetransverse channel 157 is a curved channel. In the exemplifiedembodiment, the transverse channel 157 takes on a generally undulatingshape. Moreover, the transverse channel 157 extends across the entirewidth of the head 120. In other words, the transverse channel 157extends from the right lateral edge 123 to the left lateral edge 124 ofthe head 120. In some embodiments, a portion of the transverse channel157 may coincide with a portion of the channel 158A. Similarly, in someembodiments, a portion of the transverse channel 157 may coincide with aportion of the channel 158B.

The struts 148-152 are disposed within the channels 157-159B and connectthe peripheral segments 141-145 to the cruciform segment 140.Specifically, the strut 148 connects the segment 141 to the cruciformsegment 140. The strut 149 connects the segment 142 to the cruciformsegment 140. The strut 150 connects the distal segment 143 to thecruciform segment 140. The strut 151 connects the segment 144 to thecruciform segment 140. The strut 152 connects the segment 145 to thecruciform segment 140. While the foregoing description provides that oneof the struts 148-152 connects one of the peripheral segments 141-145 tothe cruciform segment 140, it is contemplated that more than one struts148-152 or connection members may be used to connect the peripheralsegments 141-145 to the cruciform segment 140.

The struts 148-152 are thin beam or thin shelf structures that extendbetween the peripheral segments 141-145 and the cruciform segment 140,thereby forming a flexible bridge therebetween. In one embodiment, thestruts 148-152 are formed of a rigid material, such as a hard plastic,such as polypropylene. In a more specific embodiment, the struts 148-152are formed of the same rigid material of which the segments 140-145 areformed, and possibly integrally formed thereweith. While the struts148-152 are constructed of what is considered a relatively rigidmaterial in the art, flexibility of the struts 148-152 is still affordedby the thinned nature of the struts 148-152. For example, the struts148-152 have a thickness t₁ (measured along an axis that issubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A and passesthrough the front and rear surfaces) that is less than a thickness t₂ ofthe segments 140-145 (measured along an axis that is substantiallyperpendicular to the front surfaces 121A-F of the segments 140-145)(FIG. 12). In one embodiment, the ratio of t₁:t₂ is in a range of about1:2 to about 1:5. Of course, the invention is not limited. When thechannels 157-159B are filled with the ealstomeric material 146, thestruts 148-152 are encapsulated within the elastomeric material 146.

Referring again to FIGS. 6-10, each of the segments 140-145 furthercomprises at least one protuberance extending from a rear surface 160A-Fof the segments 140-145. In the exemplified embodiment, cruciformsegment 140 comprises five protuberances, namely two arcuate ridges161A-B, a central post 162, and two protuberances 163-164. Of course,more or less protuberances can be used as desired. The peripheralsegment 141 comprises the protuberance 169. The peripheral segment 142comprises the protuberance 168. The distal segment 143 comprises theprotuberance 167. The peripheral segment 144 comprises the protuberance166. The peripheral segment 145 comprises the protuberance 165. As willbe discussed in greater detail below, one the purposes of theprotuberances 161-169 is provide a contact surface for a mold usedinject elastomeric material, in its liquid form, onto the skeleton 400to fill the channels 157-159B, to form the elastomeric soft tissuecleaner 200, and to form the elastomeric cleaning elements 132A-E.Another purpose of one or all of the protuberances 161-169 is to providean element that engages and/or scrapes soft oral tissue during use ofthe elastomeric soft tissue cleaner 200.

Referring now to FIGS. 4, 8, 10 and 12 concurrently, the oral careimplement 100 further comprises an elastomeric soft tissue cleaner 200located on the rear surface 122 of the head 120. The elastomeric softtissue cleaner 200 is formed of an elastomeric material. The elastomericmaterial of the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner 200 may be anybiocompatible resilient material suitable for uses in an oral hygieneapparatus. To provide optimum comfort as well as cleaning benefits, theelastomeric material preferably has a hardness property in the range ofA8 to A25 Shore hardness. As an example, one preferred elastomericmaterial is styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS)manufactured by GLS Corporation. Nevertheless, SEBS material from othermanufacturers or other materials within and outside the noted hardnessrange could be used. In one embodiment, the elastomeric soft tissuecleaner 200 is integrally formed with the elastomeric material 146 ofthe channels 157-159B and the elastomeric cleaning elements 132A-E.

The elastomeric soft tissue cleaner 200 comprises a plurality ofprotuberances, in the form of nubs 201 and ridges 202, extending from abase surface 203 of the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner 200. As usedherein a “nub” generally refers to a column-like protrusion (withoutlimitation to the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion) which isupstanding from a base surface. In a general sense, the nub, in thepreferred construction, has a height that is greater than the width atthe base of the nub (as measured in the longest direction).Nevertheless, nubs could include projections wherein the widths andheights are roughly the same or wherein the heights are somewhat smallerthan the base widths. Moreover, in some circumstances (e.g., where thenub tapers to a tip or includes a base portion that narrows to a smallerprojection), the base width can be substantially larger than the height.

In one preferred arrangement of the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner 200,the nubs 201 are preferably conically shaped. As used herein, “conicallyshaped” or “conical” is meant to include true cones, frusto-conicallyshaped elements, and other shapes that taper to a narrow end and therebyresemble a cone irrespective of whether they are uniform, continuous intheir taper, or have rounded cross-sections.

The protuberances 201, 202 of the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner 200may help to significantly reduce a major source of bad breath in peopleand improve hygiene. The protuberances 201, 202 of the elastomeric softtissue cleaner 200 enable removal of microflora and other debris fromthe tongue and other soft tissue surfaces within the mouth. The tongue,in particular, is prone to develop bacterial coatings that are known toharbor organisms and debris that can contribute to bad breath. Thismicroflora can be found in the recesses between the papillae on most ofthe tongue's upper surface as well as along other soft tissue surfacesin the mouth. When engaged or otherwise pulled against a tongue surface,the nubs 201 of the elastomeric tissue cleaner 200 provide for gentleengagement with the soft tissue while reaching downward into therecesses of adjacent papillae of the tongue. The ridges 202 of theelastomeric tissue cleaner 200 then scrape the soft oral tissue surface,thereby removing the dislodged debris. The elastomeric construction ofthe elastomeric soft tissue cleaner 200 also enables the base surface203 to follow the natural contours of the oral tissue surfaces, such asthe tongue, cheeks, lips, and gums of a user. Moreover, the nubs 201 andridges 202 are able to flex as needed to traverse and clean the softtissue surfaces in the mouth along which it is moved.

In one embodiment, the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner 200 overlies therear surfaces 160A-F of the segments 140-145. The protuberances 161A-169of the segments 140-145 extend through the elastomeric soft tissuecleaner 200. Thus, a portion of each of the protuberances 161A-169remains exposed on the rear surface 122 of the head 120. In theexemplified embodiment, the protuberances 161A-B, 162 of the cruciformsegment 140 are substantially flush with the base surface 203 of theelastomeric soft tissue cleaner 200. However, the protuberances 163-169of the segments 140-145 extend beyond and, thus, protrude from the basesurface 203 of elastomeric soft tissue cleaner 200.

Whether the protuberances 161A-169 are flush or protrude from the basesurface 163 of the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner 200, the exposedportions of the protuberances 161A-169 provide contact surfaces for themold during injection molding of elastomeric soft tissue cleaner 200 tothe skeleton 400. By providing a protuberance 161A-169 having an exposedportion on each of the segments 140-145, each of the segments 140-145can be maintained in a stable orientation during the injection moldingprocess that flows the elastomeric material 146 into the channels157-159B, forms the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner 200, and/or formsthe elastomeric cleaning elements 132A-E. Furthermore, the protuberances163-169 of the segments 140-145 that protrude from the base surface 163of the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner 200 work in coordinated mannerwith the protuberances 201, 202 of the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner200 to engage and clean soft oral tissue.

Referring now to FIGS. 4, 12, 14 and 16 concurrently, it can be seenthat the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner 200 further comprises aplurality of grooves 204, 205A, 205B formed in the base surface 203. Asdiscussed in grater detail below, the plurality of grooves 204, 205A arealigned with the channels 157-159B, which contain the elastomericmaterial 146. More specifically, the plurality of grooves 204, 205A-Bare aligned with the channels 157-159B so that an axis that isperpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A (such as axis C-C of FIG. 12)intersects both the channels 157-159B and the grooves 204, 205A-B.

In the exemplified embodiment, the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner 200comprises a transverse groove 204 and two spaced-apart longitudinalgrooves 205A, 205B. The transverse groove 204 extends transverselyacross the entire width of the head 120 from the right lateral edge 123to the left lateral edge 124. The transverse groove 204 is aligned withthe transverse channel 157 (best visible in FIG. 16). As a result, anaxis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A intersects boththe transverse channel 157 and the transverse groove 204. As shown inFIGS. 12 and 14, the transverse channel 157 is nonlinear and extendsgenerally along axis D-D. The transverse groove 204 also extendsgenerally along axis D-D. The transverse groove 204 forms an upstandingtransverse wall 206 that spans across the entire width of the head 120.This upstanding transverse wall 206 further assists with soft tissuecleaning when the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner 200 is dragged acrossa soft oral tissue by creating an additional scraping ridge. Moreover,the transverse nature of the groove 204 further assists during softtissue cleaning by channeling fluid and dislodged debris to the lateraledges 123, 124 where it escapes from the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner200 and does not become pressed back into the soft tissue. In additionto assisting with soft tissue cleaning, the transverse groove 204, bynature of being aligned with the transverse channel 157, also assistwith tooth cleaning by providing an added amount of flexibility to thedistal segment 143 relative to the cruciform segment 140.

The longitudinal grooves 205A, B extend longitudinally from thetransverse groove 204 toward the proximal end 147 of the head 120,terminating at the right and left lateral edges 123, 124 of the head 120adjacent the proximal end 147. The longitudinal groove 205A is alignedwith portions of both the channel 158B and the channel 159B (FIG. 12).The longitudinal groove 205B is aligned with portions of both thechannel 158A and the channel 159A. Similar to the transverse groove 204,the longitudinal grooves 205A, B assist with soft tissue cleaning bychanneling fluid and dislodged debris to the lateral edges 123, 124where it escapes from the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner 200 and doesnot become pressed back into the soft tissue. The longitudinal channels205A, B terminate at locations on the right and left lateral edges 123,124 closer to the proximal end 147 of the head 120 than does thetransverse groove 204 such that the fluids and debris are dispensed atdifferent locations so as to prevent clogging. Moreover, by nature ofbeing aligned with the channels 158B, 159B, the longitudinal groove 205Aassists with tooth cleaning by providing an added amount of flexibilityto the peripheral segments 141, 142 relative to the cruciform segment140. Similarly, by nature of being aligned with the channels 158A, 159A,the longitudinal groove 205B assists with tooth cleaning by providing anadded amount of flexibility to the peripheral segments 144, 145 relativeto the cruciform segment 140.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 11 and 12 concurrently, one embodiment of anelastomeric cleaning element and its structural cooperation with thehead 120 will be described. For purposes of discussion, the followingdescription will refer to the elastomeric cleaning element 132B as anelastomeric wall 132B because the exemplified embodiment depicts a wall.While the embodiment of the elastomeric cleaning element will bedescribed in relation to the elastomeric wall 132B and its interactionwith the channel 158B and the elastomeric material 146 containedtherein, it is to be understood that the discussion below is applicableto the other elastomeric walls 132A, 132C, 132D and their interactionwith the channels 159B, 159A, 158A and the elastomeric material 146contained therein. Moreover, while the invention will be discussed interms of an elastomeric wall, it is to be understood that the principlesdiscussed below could be applied to elastomeric fingers and otherelastomeric structures in other embodiments.

The elastomeric wall 132B is an arcuate wall that extends along thecurved channel 158B. More specifically, the channel 158B extends alongcurved axis B-B. In the exemplified embodiment, the elastomeric wall132B also extends along the curved axis B-B and extends upward from thefront surface 121 of the head 120 along an axis C-C. In FIG. 12, thesegments 140, 142 of the head 120 are in a normal state (i.e., a statein which no forces are applied to the head 120). In the normal state,the segments 140, 142 are not flexed relative to one another and thesurfaces 121A, 121C of the segments are substantially coplanar. In FIG.13, the segments 140, 142 of the head 120 are in a flexed state (i.e., astate in which forces imparted during normal brushing are applied to thehead 120). In the flexed state, the segments 140, 142 are flexedrelative to one another so that the surfaces 121A, 121C are moved into anon-coplanar arrangement. Upon cessation of brushing forces, theelastomeric material 146 of the channel 158B and the strut 149 bias thesegments 140, 142 back into the normal state. The invention, however, isnot limited to instances where the front surfaces 121A, 121C are in acoplanar arrangement in the normal state and flexed into a non-coplanararrangement in the flexed state. In certain alternative embodiments, thefront surfaces 121A, 121C could be in a non-coplanar arrangement in thenormal state and flexed into a arrangement in the flexed state. In stillanother alternative embodiment, the front surfaces 121A, 121C could bein a first non-coplanar arrangement (i.e., at a first angle relative toone another) in the normal state and flexed into a second non-coplanararrangement (i.e., at a second different angle relative to one another)in the flexed state. It is contemplated that the arrangement of thefront faces 121A, 121C in the normal state and the flexed state can bealtered, if desired.

Referring to FIG. 12, the elastomeric wall 132B generally comprises aroot portion 170, a base portion 171 and an upper portion 172. The rootportion 170 is disposed within the channel 158B and connected to theelastomeric material 146 within the channel 158B. The root portion 170extends upward from the elastomeric material 146 along an axis C-C andconnects to a lower end 173 of the base portion 171. The base portion171 extends upward along the axis C-C from the lower end 173 to an upperend 174. The upper portion 172 of the elastomeric wall 132B extendsupward along the axis C-C from the upper end 174 of the base portion 171to a terminal end 175. In the exemplified embodiment, the terminal end175 is flat. However, in other embodiments, the terminal end 175 can berounded or tapered, or be in the form of other suitable shapes.

The lower end 173 of the base portion 171 of the elastomeric wall 132Bhas a width W₃, measured perpendicular to the axis B-B. The upper end174 of the base portion 171 of the elastomeric wall 132B has a width W₂,measured perpendicular to the axis B-B. The width W₂ is less than thewidth W₃. The width W₃ of the lower end 173 of the base portion 171 ofthe elastomeric wall 132B is greater than the width W₁ of the channel158B, measured perpendicular to the axis B-B. As a result of the widthW₃ being greater than the width W₁, the lower end 173 of the baseportion 171 overlies portions 178, 179 of the front surfaces 121C, 121Aof the segments 142, 140 respectively. The remainder of the frontsurfaces 121C, 121A of the segments 142, 140 remain exposed.

In the exemplified embodiment, the base portion 171 comprises twooblique surfaces 176, 177 and, thus, the base portion 171 graduallytapers in width from the lower end 173 to the upper end 174. Inalternate embodiments, the base portion 171 may include stepped surfacesrather than the two oblique surfaces 176, 177. In such an embodiment,the base portion 171 would taper in a stepped manner rather thangradually.

The upper portion 172 of the elastomeric wall 132B comprises a firstmajor surface 180 and a second major surface 181 that is opposite to thefirst major surface 180. In the exemplified embodiment, the first andsecond major surfaces 180, 181 are substantially parallel to oneanother, thereby resulting in the upper portion 172 having a constantwidth W₂ along its height. In certain embodiments, the width W₂ will beequal to or less than the width W₁ of the channel 158B. In one specificembodiment, the width W₂ may be substantially equal to the width W₁ ofthe channel 158B.

By designing the elastomeric wall 132B so that the base portion 171 iswider than the upper portion 172, the upper portion 172 remains flexibleso that it can wipe the surfaces of teeth. However, the base portion 171will provide structural integrity and helps prevent excessivewear/bending of the elastomeric wall 132B. Moreover, by connecting thelower end 173 of the base portion 171 to the portions 178, 179 of thefront surfaces 121C, 121A of the segments 142, 140, the elastomeric wall132B will assist in preventing over-flexing of the segments 142, 140relative to one another while being imparted with extra motion inducedby said limited flexing between the segments 142, 140.

As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each andevery value that is within the range. Any value within the range can beselected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references citedherein are hereby incorporated by referenced in their entireties. In theevent of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and thatof a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

While the foregoing description and drawings represent the exemplaryembodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that variousadditions, modifications and substitutions may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention as definedin the accompanying claims. In particular, it will be clear to thoseskilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in otherspecific forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, sizes, and withother elements, materials, and components, without departing from thespirit or essential characteristics thereof. One skilled in the art willappreciate that the invention may be used with many modifications ofstructure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials, and componentsand otherwise, used in the practice of the invention, which areparticularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirementswithout departing from the principles of the present invention. Thepresently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the inventionbeing defined by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoingdescription or embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. An oral care implement comprising: a handle; ahead connected to the handle; a plurality of tooth cleaning elementsextending from a front surface of the head; the head formed by aplurality of spaced-apart segments formed of a rigid material, theplurality of segments including a central segment and at least oneperipheral segment arranged about the central segment, the at least oneperipheral segment isolated from the central segment by a channelcontaining an elastomeric material, the elastomeric material flexiblyconnecting the at least one peripheral segment to the central segment;an elastomeric soft tissue cleaner located on a rear surface of the headopposite the front surface of the head; the at least one peripheralsegment comprising at least one protuberance formed of the rigidmaterial that extends through and protrudes beyond a base surface of theelastomeric soft tissue cleaner so that a portion of the rigid materialof the at least one protuberance is exposed; and the central segmentcomprising a first protuberance that extends through and protrudesbeyond the base surface of the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner and asecond protuberance that extends through and is flush with the basesurface of the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner.
 2. The oral careimplement according to claim 1 wherein the central segment is integrallyformed with and extends from a distal end of the handle.
 3. The oralcare implement according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of toothcleaning elements comprises a plurality of elastomeric walls integrallyformed with the elastomeric material of the channel.
 4. The oral careimplement according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of tooth cleaningelements comprises a plurality of bristle tufts extending from the atleast one peripheral segment and the central segment.
 5. The oral careimplement according to claim 1 wherein the elastomeric soft tissuecleaner is integrally formed with the elastomeric material of thechannel.
 6. The oral care implement according to claim 1 wherein the atleast one peripheral segment is further connected to the central segmentby a strut disposed within the channel that is formed of the rigidmaterial.
 7. The oral care implement according to claim 6 wherein thestrut is integrally formed with the central segment and the at least oneperipheral segment.
 8. The oral care implement according to claim 6wherein the strut has a first thickness and the central segment and theat least one peripheral segment have a second thickness, wherein thefirst thickness is less than the second thickness.
 9. The oral careimplement according to claim 6 wherein the strut is encapsulated in theelastomeric material of the channel.
 10. The oral care implement ofclaim 1 wherein the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner comprisesprotuberances extending from the base surface of the elastomeric softtissue cleaner.
 11. The oral care implement according to claim 10wherein the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner further comprising at leastone groove formed in the base surface, and wherein the at least onegroove of the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner is aligned with thechannel.
 12. An oral care implement comprising: a handle; a headconnected to the handle; a plurality of tooth cleaning elementsextending from a front surface of the head; the head formed by aplurality of spaced-apart segments formed of a rigid material, each ofthe segments isolated from one another by a channel containing anelastomeric material, the elastomeric material flexibly connecting thesegments together; an elastomeric soft tissue cleaner located on a rearsurface of the head opposite the front surface of the head; each of thesegments comprising at least one protuberance formed of the rigidmaterial that extends through and protrudes beyond a base surface of theelastomeric soft tissue cleaner so that a portion of the rigid materialof the at least one protuberance is exposed; and one of the segmentscomprising another protuberance that extends through and is flush withthe base surface of the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner.
 13. The oralcare implement according to claim 12 wherein the plurality of segmentsincludes a central segment and a plurality of peripheral segmentsarranged about the central segment, and wherein the central segment isnon-movably connected to a distal end of the handle.
 14. The oral careimplement according to claim 12 wherein the plurality of tooth cleaningelements comprises a plurality of elastomeric walls integrally formedwith the elastomeric material of the channels.
 15. The oral careimplement according to claim 14 wherein the elastomeric walls, theelastomeric material of the channels, and the elastomeric soft tissuecleaner is an integral mass of elastomeric material.
 16. The oral careimplement according to claim 12 wherein the plurality of tooth cleaningelements comprises a plurality of bristle tufts extending from each ofthe segments.
 17. The oral care implement according to claim 12 whereinthe elastomeric soft tissue cleaner is integrally formed with theelastomeric material of the channels.
 18. The oral care implementaccording to claim 12 wherein each of the segments is further connectedto one another by a strut disposed within the channel that is formed ofthe rigid material, and wherein the struts are integrally formed withthe segments.
 19. An oral care implement comprising: a handle; a headconnected to the handle; a plurality of tooth cleaning elementsextending from a front surface of the head; the head formed by askeleton formed of a rigid material, the skeleton comprising a pluralityof spaced-apart segments and struts extending between the segments; anelastomeric material flexibly connecting the segments together; anelastomeric soft tissue cleaner located on a rear surface of the headopposite the front surface of the head; each of the segments comprisingat least one protuberance formed of the rigid material that extendsthrough and protrudes beyond a base surface of the elastomeric softtissue cleaner so that a portion of the rigid material of the at leastone protuberance is exposed; and one of the segments comprising anotherprotuberance that extends through and is flush with the base surface ofthe elastomeric soft tissue cleaner.
 20. The oral care implementaccording to claim 19 wherein the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner isintegrally formed with the elastomeric material that flexibly connectsthe segments together.
 21. The oral care implement according to claim 20wherein the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner and the elastomeric materialthat flexibly connects the segments together is applied to the skeletonduring a single injection molding step.